After apology over `negro', Goa CM drags Tejpal into row

Last updated on: August 21, 2014 20:00 IST

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who earlier on Thursday apologised for the use of word `negro' in a written reply in the legislative assembly, accused that senior journalist Tarun Tejpal might be behind the coverage of the issue.

Tejpal is facing a case of sexual assault in Goa.

"I was shocked that a national level TV channel stooped down to this level – of highlighting a news-report (about use of the term negro). After Tejpal (case), Goa has become famous. I don't know whether he is involved in such coverage. There might be his involvement in this too," Parrikar said, responding to questions in the legislature.

"I was told that some national channels are broadcasting report about the mistake related to negro word. What is this madness? There are 10,000 pages, I can't go through each word. It was a mistake by a clerk. Also the word was in reference to an unknown person," Parrikar said.

The word appeared in a written reply by government on the issue of foreign nationals arrested in Goa.

"I feel pity....I am worried as to whether these news channels will survive....I am not talking against journalists," he added.

Parrikar also accused the media of `inviting' Sri Ram Sene Chief Pramod Muthalik to Goa. "Muthalik is media's creation. You neglect him and he will not even be bothered. You are trying to bring him to Goa....Please forget Muthalik issue," he said.

The chief minister also said that he was not in favour of filing a case against Muthalik over latter's offensive statements. "If I file a case against Muthalik, I will also have to make media party to it....When you publish what he says or show his interview you will also be the party," he added.